Job Description

Description

The

Dean's Office

within the

Faculty of Science

invites applications for a

Program Manager

to support the

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Indigenous Ways of Climate and Water

Sustainability for Planetary Health and Well-being

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


The CERC Program Manager is a key role in supporting the operations of the research program led by an internationally recognized scholar in Indigenous Environmental Justice and the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Indigenous Ways of Climate and Water Sustainability for Planetary Health and Well-being.


The Program Manager helps ensure the CERC program is delivered in ways that support and reflect Indigenous priorities and values, while also navigating the administrative, financial, and organizational systems of the university. This role does not direct the research itself, but provides essential program coordination, oversight, and relationship support.


The Manager will oversee the operations of the respective support teams to ensure successful delivery of the CERC research program and various initiatives. There are also significant responsibilities associated with the implementation of project activities and the reporting to granting agencies and sponsors. This position has frequent interactions with the University's administrative units, faculty members, as well as students, postdoctoral fellows and technical/professional staff.


Success in this position requires strong cultural awareness, respectful relationship-building, and a commitment to supporting the vision of the Chair for Indigenous leadership in climate and water sustainability. The work of the Manager requires leadership, strong analytical abilities, strategic thinking and innovation in contributing to the design and implementation of programmatic and operational changes

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):


Indigenous Engagement and Relationship Program Manager Building

Serve as a first point of contact and trusted liaison with Indigenous communities and organizations, ensuring that program activities reflect their priorities, protocols, and perspectives. Support respectful and reciprocal engagement processes that create space for Indigenous voices and leadership within the program. Ensure that Indigenous values and ways of knowing are reflected in program communications, events, and administrative processes. Represent the program in community and institutional settings with diplomacy, humility, and respect. Communicate with partners including Indigenous key stakeholders and advisory council to build relationships, achieve project goals and keep stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle.

Program Management and Administrative Leadership

Coordinate the operations of the CERC program and related responsibilities, ensuring smooth day to day management under the oversight of the Chair. Coordinate and support management of the CERC governance, data management and EDI requirements. Ensure CERC program data is managed in compliance with institutional, Tri Program Manager Agency, and international standards, including privacy, security, and ethical requirements. Oversee development and implementation of data management plans, infrastructure, and practices that support research integrity, collaboration, and long term stewardship. Maintain and align the Chairs schedule with multiple research groups and CERC program activities. Review and prepare documents, agreements, and reports for accuracy and compliance before approval or signature. Navigate complex university systems, policies, and processes to support program implementation. Supporting the negotiation of research and contribution agreements and assisting with risk assessments for field work etc. Liaise with researchers, partners and others, and respond to communication inquiries as necessary. Oversee data collection, management and analysis of initiatives' outcomes and act as a point of escalation. Manages projects research ethics applications includes drafting initial ethics application, updating application project amendments and renewal.

Financial Administration and Oversight

Manage program budgets and funding in alignment with granting agency and institutional requirements. Track expenditures, prepare internal financial reports, and provide information to support the Chair's decision-making. Oversee reconciliation of expenses completed by administrative staff. Establish and maintain an effective document management system, including that for both paper and electronic formats of all program-related files (e.g. copies of applications, contracts, progress and final scientific reports, publications, financial reports, etc.). Establish a program information database and oversee maintenance of that database. This includes maintaining knowledge of ongoing initiatives: what is the current budget status; who are the students and research staff involved in the program; what are the milestones and deliverables to be reported. Oversee the preparation of program status reports, correspondence and other documentation; ensure that timely and accurate information and updates are provided; communicate program progression to appropriate parties. Monitor the progress of project activities; develop and maintain records of activities, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators, administrators, funding agencies, and/or regulatory bodies

Human Resources and Supervision

Assist PI in recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation and termination of project support and research staff. Responsible for managing and providing ongoing leadership, support and development to staff. Plan and organize staff tasks and workload. Supervise research assistants, administrative support staff, and consultants engaged with the program. Ensure CERC support team and ensure they are well trained, competent, supported in their work and encouraged in their development. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and mentorship of staff in line with the Chair's direction. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that reflects the program's values.

Project Activities and Communications

Oversee the planning and delivery of gatherings, community meetings, and symposia. Ensure that program events and communications are carried out in ways that respect Indigenous protocols and practices. Manage program communications, including the website, by coordinating with consultants or staff as needed. Preparing University based ethics protocols (that is a skill set) and can be very time-consuming in the University. Manage project communications (website, social media etc.). Contributes to strategic planning of CERC research activities and preparation of funding applications for support for further development of these and related research activities. Plan and coordinate the initiation of the project, and establish operating policies and procedures.
Planning and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in science, education, environmental, health, or management or a related discipline is preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered. Demonstrated understanding of, or lived experience with, Indigenous ways of knowing, being in research-based contexts. Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous organizations/communities in respectful and collaborative ways. Strong understanding of Indigenous protocols, knowledge systems, and engagement practices. Successful track record of leadership in strategic planning and program implementation. Proven skills in program management, administration, or executive-level support. Skills in research program management is an asset. Knowledge and general understanding of science-related activities, such as research data management, manuscripts reviews, planning of scientific meetings, etc. is preferred. Demonstrated experience in successfully negotiating solutions to complex problems and balancing competing interests for resources. Strong financial management experience, including budget tracking and reporting. Demonstrated ability to proactively establish priorities, manage multiple demands and deadlines while working independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to successfully supervise, motivate, and mentor staff and/or students within a collaborative team. Developed competencies in strategic thinking, creativity and innovation, focusing on client needs, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, planning, organizing and problem solving. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with university structures and systems is an asset. Commitment to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, and justice that aligns with Indigenous led strategic priorities. Culturally respectful, relationship-focused, and community-oriented. Collaborative and adaptive leadership style. Strong attention to detail balanced with an ability to see the broader picture.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Application Deadline:

October 17, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.


This position is classified in the

Management Career Band, Level M1

of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments

(

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.